Salinity

Constraint – Soil salinity

Symptoms

• Reduced germination of seed
• Decreased water uptake by young seedlings leading to water stress
• If soil salinity is high, leaf burn and necrosis can occur 

Damage

• Reduced yield due to water stress
• If soil salinity is very high, plants can die

Control

Irrigation with non saline water in mild cases.  Deep drainage, pumping, and banks to divert surface water can also be effective in more serious situations. In severe cases mitigation efforts such as revegetation with native species, establishing trees, preventing further clearing in vulnerable areas, and the use of salt-tolerant plants, perennial crops, and pastures are also recommended.

Links and Resources

DPI NSW - Salinity Introduction, measuring salinity in water, salt tolerance of various agricultural plants.

GRDC - Salinity 8 page PDF. Section 3 contains information on the problems and impacts of salinity, research, investment, expected time to delivery, and chance of success. Published 2012.

GRDC and University of California - Salinity Degree of salinity, and management of salinity stress on irrigated, dryland, and natural salinity by various means.